A low FODMAP diet is a temporary eating plan that restricts the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) for a short time. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates that the small intestine absorbs poorly. This diet is designed to help people with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), identify specific food triggers that cause digestive distress. The low FODMAP diet is a three-step elimination diet:

1. In Step 1, high FODMAP foods are swapped for low FODMAP alternatives.
2. In Step 2, FODMAP challenges are completed to identify which FODMAPs trigger symptoms.
3. In Step 3, the aim is to relax dietary restrictions as much as possible, expand the variety of foods included in the diet, and establish a personalized FODMAP diet for the long-term.

The low FODMAP diet is highly restrictive in various groups of nutrients, can be impractical to follow in the long-term, and may add an unnecessary financial burden. It is recommended to conduct a complete medical evaluation before starting a low FODMAP diet to ensure a correct diagnosis and that the appropriate therapy may be undertaken. The low FODMAP diet is part of the therapy for those with IBS and SIBO, and research has found that it reduces symptoms in up to 86% of people. However, it is always good to talk to a doctor before starting a new diet, especially with the low FODMAP diet since it eliminates so many foods.